CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging North Texas team riding a potent offense will face a struggling Charlotte squad in an American Athletic Conference matchup Friday night at Jerry Richardson Stadium.

The Mean Green (5-1, 3-0 AAC) are coming off a dominant 55-17 victory over Texas-San Antonio last Saturday. North Texas quarterbacks combined for five touchdown passes in the win, led by Drew Mestemaker’s four.

Charlotte (1-5, 0-3), conversely, is looking to rebound from a 49-14 home loss to Temple. The 49ers have lost five straight since a season-opening win over FCS opponent Monmouth.

Despite the stark contrast in records, Interstat’s game simulator projects a narrow 35-34 victory for Charlotte. The 49ers have also been installed as a surprising pregame favorite by oddsmakers, with a spread of -26.5 points. The over/under is set at 60.5.

North Texas’s high-powered offense, which has scored 45 or more points in four of its wins, will be tested against a Charlotte defense that has allowed an average of 41.3 points during its five-game losing streak.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT Friday.